LePage’s remarks came Thursday after the Republican governor signed a proclamation making Saturday Maine Korean War Veteran Recognition Day.

LePage says the Vietnam War was probably the U.S.’s “most embarrassing war” in its treatment of veterans. He says he hoped to “never see that again until recently it showed its ugly face” in Maine’s Legislature.

Opponents say there’s no evidence uniformed military recruiters are restricted in Maine schools.

Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick, who supported the bill, says in a statement that “it’s a shame” LePage “continues to drag our men and women in military into this unnecessary political fight.”